One last time for tale of star-cross’d lovers

Thursday

Aug 29, 2013 at 3:15 AM

PORTSMOUTH — Prescott Park Arts Festival’s Shakespeare in Prescott Park will close out its third season with a final evening performance of ROMEO + JULIET on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. Take in this tale of tragic lovers, presented by Seven Stages Shakespeare Company, under the stars at Prescott Park.

Director Dan Beaulieu’s production has been hailed as “ … full of standout performances,” (The WiRE), “…a vibrant, energetic play that pushes to explore and underscore the storyline’s message,” and “ … an innovative vision, the sort of stretch and risk-taking that defines art,” (Spotlight, Portsmouth Herald). Beaulieu has taken the script apart and put it back together in a unique fashion. Yes, the production is true to the classic text, but audiences will experience scenes in a new order, with a new vision, and often times- with two scenes happening simultaneously.

The production not only strives to create a fresh way of looking at the story of ROMEO + JULIET itself, but also challenges the way in which audiences are accustomed to story-telling in a theater setting. Beaulieu has taken the action into and around the audience, providing a new lens from which to view the play. Audience members are invited to sit on stage with actors, and actors invited to sit on the grass with the audience. “This shared perspective not only creates community, but draws the audience inextricably into the action of the play, placing the tragedy at their feet and not at arm’s length,” he says.

“ROMEO + JULIET is a play about paradox and juxtaposition,” says Seven Stages Co-Founder Christine Penney, “and having both afternoon and evening performances has given us an opportunity to highlight those themes.” Penney says that audiences will see two very different shows in the day and evening performances. “The play has innumerable references to day and night,” she explains, “and Dan’s vision for the show has truly allowed those elements to come to life. The artistic choices between the day and evening performances definitely surprise you,” she says, “even if you’ve already seen a daytime performance, join us on the 31st and you’ll get a whole new show under the magic of the stars.”

Shakespeare in Prescott Park’s ROMEO + JULIET plays at Prescott Park Arts Festival for one final performance on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. For more information call (603) 436-2848 or visit www.prescottpark.org/shakes.cfm or www.7stagesshakespeare.org

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